KARACHI: Increasing noise pollution is creating serious hearing problems which is leading to social and psychological issues, experts warned on Friday.
Addressing a press conference at Karachi Press Club, Audiologist Shahid Akhtar said that hearing loss was the most common health problem in Pakistan, affecting more than 80 percent people ageing between 40 to 45 years.
He lamented that most of the people go to the eye-specialists and other experts for check-ups but unfortunately they are unaware of the issues related to hearing. He said that the Suno Bolo Audiology & Speech – Training Center have started many projects in various areas and cities treating almost 55,000 patients and have provided them awareness and at least 2000 hearing-aids.” We encourage friends and family to talk with their loved ones about scheduling a hearing check-up”, he said.
Hearing issues are caused by many reasons including constant use of ear-phones and use of some medicines.Loss in hearing can cause irritation, hinders learning process, create depression and absurdity owing to which people become the victims of social and psychological issues. He said that in a populated area or cities like Karachihearing-related issues are frequently noticed by family members and friends. They may consistently ask you to repeat what you have said, constantly turn up the volume on the television or radio, have difficulty hearing on the telephone, and describe voices as muffled and unclear. If you recognize these symptoms, remember that hearing loss is a normal condition and can happen to anyone. They said that hearing problems can be more than frustrating, they can actually be dangerous. Hearing problems if ignored or untreated can get worse. There is a dire need to open the training centers and institutes and the students must provide scholarships to get education of audiology.” Karachi is a big city that needs at least 5000 audiologists to deal with these emerging issues”, he suggested. Advocate High Court, Javed Heleem, Senior Vice President, Rao Muhammad Rafique and others were also present on the occasion.
